Spray foam insulation specified for WWII Ferro concrete barge

The Project

Robotmother envisioned the tethered boat housing its maintenance rooms and bunking space, in addition to a mezzanine level office space. It approached Marraum Architecture with a complex, tricky brief.

Originally, rigid PIR foam insulation was specified. However, at the application stage it became apparent that it would not entertain the roof’s jagged roof line and walls of varying depths. The result would have been gaps in the shell structure causing a serious condensation problem.

Walltite Spray Foam insulation

Michael Hormann from Marraum Architecture recognised this and switched the specification to Walltite at a thickness of 160mm.

He explained: “Walltite was the perfect solution for such a tricky shape and the aggressive marine environment demands a seamless airtight solution. As boats are prone to dampness many are now opting to insulate using the innovative material.

“In terms of the practicality of application, this took just a couple of days which meant we were able to make fast progress therefore reducing construction time and cost. It was also good for filling voids and tying the structure together.”

Cosyhome UK applied the closed cell polyurethane spray foam directly onto the fibre glass surface, following the contours of the walls, ceilings and some of the floor forming the basis of the offices.

Results

Sustainable solutions were at the core of the decision making and Walltite helped the walls, floors and ceilings achieve a U-value of 0.12 W/m2K.

Furthermore, the choice of material was paramount in terms of weight as the overall construction weight could not exceed 50 tonnes.

Completed last year and taking three years in total, the contemporary, bold office space combines practicality and maritime chic, and has become a local landmark within the Penryn community